Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta dead at 45 after suspected suicide in Miami motel
UGLY Betty stars America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams have paid tribute to show creator Silvio Horta after his suspected suicide.
He was found dead in a Miami motel room on Tuesday in an apparent suicide, according to sources, Variety reports.
He reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the publication.
Actress America - who played Betty Suarez in the ABC comedy - penned a touching message on Instagram.
She said: "I’m stunned and heartbroken to hear the devastating news of Ugly Betty creator, Silvio Horta’s death. His talent and creativity brought me and so many others such joy & light.
"I’m thinking of his family and loved ones who must be in so much pain right now- and of the whole Ugly Betty family who feel this loss so deeply."
Her co-star Vanessa Williams - who starred as Wilhelmina Slater - said: "Still in shock after hearing the tragic news of our #uglybetty creator #silviohorta.
"His creativity and passion will be missed by so many of us that worked with him. May he Rest In Peace."
Silvio was best known for his work as the creator of the popular ABC show, Ugly Betty, which made a star of America Ferrara.
He served as Ugly Betty's show-runner and head writer.
The successful show ran from 2006 to 2010 and ran for four seasons.
Ugly Betty picked up Golden Globes for Best Comedy Series and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for Ferrera's performance.
Along with lead, America Ferrara, the series also saw Vanessa Williams, Eric Mabius, and Ana Ortiz star.
Selma Hayek was one of the executive producers.
In a 2008 interview, Silvio said that the success of Ugly Betty was not all that he thought it would be.
"My first year doing this, people would constantly ask me, 'Aren't you happy? You must be thrilled. You've got a hit show. You must be having the time of your life. 'Well, no, I'm not. It's all consuming," he said.
"I was so exhausted by the time I got home on Friday night, I was just paralyzed. I didn't want to go out. I didn't want to socialize and I had so much work to do. That was it. That was my life."
Ugly Betty was an American comedy-drama about Betty Suarez, who despite her lack of style and physical appearance, lands a job at a prestigious high fashion magazine.
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The Miami-born Cuban American was openly gay and came out to his family as a teen at 19.
Silvio's last social media post was on June 21, 2019, when he posed with a friend while at the ArcLight cinema in Hollywood.
If you or anyone you know needs help call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1800-273-8255 for 24/7 assistance.
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